Gum Chewing

[NinetyNine]

What's everyone's opinions on chewing gum while on the job?

Just curious because I love to chew gum but I feel as though no one in my hospital does it.

[nursel56]

I just printed this out with a cute cow graphic and put it on my bulletin board! Thanks for sharing it!

Jeez, the way some of you are carrying on about the benefits of gum I have to wonder what's in it!! (Just kidding!!) I promise! I won't take away your gum!. . . . it'll all be OK. . . backs away slowly. . .

Shar pei Mom, I think my mom recited that poem, too. She thought, and my grandmother also, that gum chewing was "vulgar, coorifice, and unrefined" I think they were envisioning a gangster moll, "Now, listen, mista chomp, chomp, nobody pushes me around, see? chomp chomp" :)

[sethmctenn]

We are not allowed gum or water at the nurses' station.

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

I think it's fine as long as you don't chew like a cow. IMO, I'd rather my nurse be chewing gum than have halitosis or stink like cigarettes. I either have mints or chew gum during my shift..I'm on a blood pressure med that gives me a very dry mouth, plus, your mouth gets dry from the masks.

We actually had one surgical resident who was big for his britches and tried to fordid the staff in his room from chewing gum or having mints..THAT backfired..everyone made it a point to chew gum in there and loudly too.(attending thought it was hilarious) I've also worked with surgeons who had problems with low blood sugar-I've had to feed them candy, cookies, etc through the side of their masks. I myself when scrubbed in a long case have had to sip orange juice through a straw..either that, or pass out.

I think the whole controversy is silly, to be honest. So many other things which are way more important. Just my 2 cents.

[tewdles, RN]

We are not allowed gum or water at the nurses' station.

Not even water in bottles, capped? If so, I wonder if the nursing exec is limiting him/herself to 2-15 min and one 30 min "hydration" breaks in the work day?

[abbaking]

Honestly people.....Do we have nothing left to discuss but the petty insignificant things of life?

I chew gum at work ....I work hard. Chewing gum helps to relieve stress, freshen breath, and occupies time.

I was laughing at some of the earlier posts about gum chewing as being completely unprofessional.....i would rather have fresh minty breath than onion/garlic breath - THAT IS UNPROFESSIONAL.

[Valerie Salva, BSN, RN]

I always chew gum at work. I always felt it made me more alert- now there's proof:

Chewing gum improves memory

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn2039-chewing-gum-improves-memory.html

Math + Chewing Gum = Better Grades?

Chewing Gum Might Make Teachers Frown but It Improves Academic Performance, Study Says

http://children.webmd.com/news/20090423/math-plus-chewing-gum-equals-better-grades

Effects of chewing gum on mood, learning, memory and performance of an intelligence test

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/maney/nns/2009/00000012/00000002/art00005

Chewing gum was the once forbidden snack for every school age child. In the year of 2005, chewing gum was named the number one snack choice by Americans. New research indicates chewing gum may be good for a number of things that include:

• Helping to manage weight

• To increase focus

• To increase alertness

• To increase concentration

• Helps relieve life’s everyday stresses

• Sugar free gum can help prevent tooth decay and freshen breath

http://www.worldwidehealth.com/health-article-Chewing-Gum-Has-Several-Benefits.html

Who gives a #%$%$% if co-workers are chewing gum? So what?

Now, seeing nurses constantly texting at work drives me nuts.

[lamazeteacher]

Chewing gum stimulates production of more saliva and opening the mouth, which could lead to allowing drool to escape, which could spread an infection you may have.

The habit is a uniquely American thing. During WW II, American military were identified simply by their mouth moving as they chewed. And of course they gave chewing gum away..... At least it doesn't cause cancer, which is the only good thing I can say about it. It certainly doesn't assuage nervousness and gives that away.

[Valerie Salva, BSN, RN]

Chewing gum stimulates production of more saliva and opening the mouth, which could lead to allowing drool to escape, which could spread an infection you may have.

The habit is a uniquely American thing. During WW II, American military were identified simply by their mouth moving as they chewed. And of course they gave chewing gum away..... At least it doesn't cause cancer, which is the only good thing I can say about it. It certainly doesn't assuage nervousness and gives that away.

Chewing Gum May Help Reduce Stress According To New Research

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/119826.php

Chewing Gum Helps to Relieve Stress, Anxiety

http://www.medindia.net/news/Chewing-Gum-Helps-to-Relieve-from-Stress-Anxiety-41242-1.htm

[Multicollinearity, BSN, RN]

Chewing gum stimulates production of more saliva and opening the mouth, which could lead to allowing drool to escape, which could spread an infection you may have.

In over 20 years of chewing gum, I have had zero "escaping drool" incidents. This scenario above is quite a reach.

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

I get dry mouth and quite thirsty while working so I do occasionally chew gum:quietly with my mouth closed and never when I am with a pt. My kids' friends were always told if I could hear them chewing gum, it had to go!

I'm diabetic and also suffer from constant dry mouth, so gum is a necessity for me. As an adult, however, I AM CAPABLE of chewing it without looking like a freaking cow, and without letting it FALL OUT OF MY MOUTH INTO THE WOUND OF A PATIENT.

Jesus, people.

[tewdles, RN]

It always amuses me how carried away we get about silly things (chewing gum debates). We are professionals, we can be professional and chew gum.

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

No way.

You mean you aren't allowed to have drinks at the desk, right?

They can't keep you from drinking water on your shift.

Sorry. This is supposed to be about GUM.

I know! But when I read the comment about not even being able to drink water except for on break. Man! The hospital where my dh and I work only allowed you the 1 lunch and 2 15 minutes (if u were lucky) each shift. Good grief!